It’s hard to believe that Easter is already here. The year is flying by. Many people have a long weekend with time off from work and kids out of school. That makes this the perfect time to spend some quality time with family. So put those devices away and live like it’s 1989. Get back to basics. Break bread together, hang out, get to know each other better. You will be so glad that you did.
color eggs
Dying Easter eggs is fun but it can be super messy (depending on your kids). This is something that we don’t necessarily do every year but when we do chose to bust out the “colors” the kids have a ball. You can buy the tablets or you can use materials that you have on hand.
All you need are Hard-boiled eggs, Food coloring and White vinegar. (Use lemon juice in place of the vinegar, or just leave the vinegar out. Eggs dyed without vinegar will turn out pastel-colored. You need a mild acid, like vinegar or lemon juice to achieve really vibrant colors.)
HOW TO:
Measure 1/2 cup of the boiling water into a canning jar or another heat-resistant container. Then, add one teaspoon of vinegar and 10-20 drops of food coloring to achieve your desired color. Repeat the process to create additional colors. Place eggs in your dye, and allow them to soak for around five minutes. You’ll probably need to flip your eggs partway through, so that both sides are evenly colored. That’s it. Easy peasy.
egg hunt
What kid doesn’t LOVE an egg hunt? When my daughter was about 4, I found out about a local group that would do a yearly fundraiser by hiding eggs for a fee. I think I paid $20 and they hid a dozen eggs, maybe more. The plastic eggs were filled with stickers, candy and small toys. It was totally worth it. It’s been several years and my oldest still remembers waking up and finding eggs hidden in the front yard. It was a real memory-maker.
We also do a family hunt every year with plastic eggs filled with coins. A couple of them actually have paper money which gets the competitive juices flowing!
EGG PRIZE IDEAS:
- money
- rings
- necklaces
- bracelets
- candy
- stickers
- erasers
Caution: I do not recommend hiding dyed eggs. If you don’t get them all, it can lead to a very stinky situation…
resurrection Eggs
Easter can seem a little secular with the Easter bunny, peeps and chocolate candy, so when I heard about Resurrection Eggs, I had to find out more. The Resurrection Eggs offer children a wonderful hands-on resource to learn about Jesus’ Resurrection Story. The set includes 12 brightly colored plastic eggs that crack open to reveal miniature symbols of Easter inside. It also includes an illustrated companion booklet to help explain the significance of each object—perfect for opening up discussion about Easter and the Resurrection with kids.
WHAT IS EASTER?
Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.
Jesus paid the penalty for the sin of the world and was raised from the dead so we can now be forgiven of every sin. No mere man could have done this, but Jesus was the Son of God and he is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father or goes to heaven without him (John 14:6). If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
sunrise easter service
Most kids get up early anyway, so why not find a local sunrise service. There is something very special about experiencing the Resurrection story outside in nature. I live in North Carolina and we have plenty of options when it comes to sunrise services; from the coast to the mountains and everywhere in between. If your church doesn’t have one or you don’t belong to a church, a simple google search should lead you to one.
FUN FACT:
In 1773, America’s first Sunrise Service — an Easter Mass held early enough for congregants to witness the dawn’s first rays together — was held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, organized by the Moravians — a church with its roots in the present-day Czech Republic. The sunrise aspect of the service represents the moment Jesus crossed from death to life, from darkness to light.
family picnic
Easter has always been about 3 things for me. Jesus, church and family. Having a family picnic is the perfect way to spend the afternoon on Resurrection Sunday. Get take out or pack a lunch and head to a local park or recreation area. It’s a great time to share a meal and fellowship with your family.
Best of all, going on a picnic allows you to focus on your kids without distractions. Picnics are the perfect opportunity to make your kids feel loved and heard. Plus, you never know what you might learn from your kids. A little family competition playing picnic games will also help your family bond.
PICNIC GAMES:
I hope y’all have a wonderful weekend spending time with family. Let’s close this week’s blog post with a prayer.
Lord God,
You loved this world so much,
That you gave your one and only Son,
That we might be called your children too.
Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace
Of Easter Sunday, everyday.
Let us have hearts of thankfulness
For your sacrifice.
Let us have eyes that look upon
Your grace and rejoice in our salvation.
Help us to walk in that mighty grace
And tell your good news to the world.
All for your glory do we pray, Lord,
Amen.
— Rachel Marie Stone
